Tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) is a serine protease that plays a crucial role in the body's natural process of blood clot breakdown, known as fibrinolysis. It is primarily produced and released by endothelial cells and acts by converting the inactive proenzyme plasminogen into active plasmin, which effectively dissolves blood clots. t-PA is commonly used therapeutically in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke, acute myocardial infarction, and other conditions where blood clotting needs to be quickly and effectively controlled. Research in this area focuses on understanding the biochemical pathways and regulatory mechanisms involved in t-PA function, as well as developing new t-PA-based therapies and treatments for various thrombotic disorders.